Which step is part of the initial police response?

• A. Conduct long-term surveillance.
• B. Secure the scene and all potential evidence.
• C. Develop a public information campaign.
• D. File civil charges.

Answer: (B)

Immediately securing the scene and preserving potential evidence is the cornerstone of the initial police response. This step protects the integrity of physical, digital, and testimonial information by preventing contamination or loss, while also ensuring the safety of victims and witnesses. With the scene secured, officers can document conditions, control who enters, and begin the process of collecting and preserving evidence for the investigation that follows. Other actions described belong to later stages: long-term surveillance occurs as the investigation unfolds, public information campaigns are handled by communications staff after the scene is secured, and filing civil charges is a legal action that comes after investigation and prosecution.